Creamy Sweet Tea Pasta Salad

Maybe you haven’t picked up on it yet but I love pasta.  I mean, I really love pasta.  I REALLY, REALLY love pasta!  If I could live on pasta alone I totally would and I’ve passed my love of pasta onto my little man.  In the wintertime cuddling up with a warm bowl of pasta is all I want to do but in the summertime my heart doesn’t yearn for that.  Instead, I crave pasta salads full of garden fresh vegetables and a dressing that’s to die for.

Who of you out there likes to cook in the summer?  I know I sure don’t!  Summertime is a time to enjoy a cool meal (or to grill… but that’s Nate’s job) so, in my mind, pasta salad is the best way to go.  What is even better is that pasta salad is classy but SO easy to put together when unexpected (or expected) guests come over AND a good pasta salad can make me feel like the hostess with the mostest.  😉  Having pasta (the Barilla brand is my favorite!) and veggies on hand is always a good thing!  Add in a glass of sweet iced tea and your meal is complete!

Since it’s finally getting warmed up around here (remember, summertime in the PNW doesn’t officially begin until the 4th of July), we’ve been enjoying dinnertime on the back porch.  Whether it’s just our family or a party of friends, outside is where it’s at!

1 Package Tri-Color Rotini

1 Jar Olives

1 Roma Tomato

1 Green Bell Pepper

1 Orange Bell Pepper

1 Small Zucchini

6 oz Feta Cheese

Creamy Sweet Tea Dressing (Recipe Below)

1.  Cook pasta until al dente.

2.  While pasta is cooking chop vegetables into bite sized pieces.

3.  Once pasta is finished, drain and add vegetables, cheese, and dressing.

4.  Toss until well mixed and enjoy!

1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt

1/2 Cup Sweet Tea

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

2 Cloves of Garlic

1 Tbsp Chives

1.  Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until all well combined and no chunks remain.

2.  Use as you would any salad dressing and enjoy!